How to become a school administrator
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman, EdD, Dean,College of Education
Within a school or university, dozens of different types of employees work together to create a safe and effective learning environment for students. A school administrator provides leadership and guidance to teachers, professors, counselors, aides and potentially other staff.Some examples of this position are superintendents and school principals. Let's take a closer look.
Careers as a school administrator
Being a school administrator can be a fulfilling career option for those who are interested in working in education but desire a more leadership-focused role. These professionals normally work in other roles before moving into leadership and often have several years of teaching experience.
Administrators have experience as teachers or sometimes as department chairs. This prerequisite experience helps those looking to work in administration lead their staff and make decisions fueled by their personal experiences and professional expertise as an educator.
Seven steps to becoming a school administrator
For those interested in pursuing a career in administration, such as becoming a principal or superintendent, it’s important to understand necessary steps. Let’s dive into the education, credentials, skills and experience necessary for this role.
1. Learn about duties
School administration professionals work with teachers, families, students and the school’s leadership to ensure that their institution is providing quality education to their students. Some of theduties are:
- Managing staff, including recruiting, interviewing and disciplining
- Supporting teaching staff
- Handling the school’s budget and other financial matters
- Handling other important administration logistics, such as keeping the property presentable and up to code and planning school-related events
- Representing the school at events
- Implementing education programs and ensuring compliance with state and national requirements
Administrators in schools must beresponsible and organized and have strong communication and leadership skills. Understanding the duties that will be expected to perform will help develop the skills necessary to succeed in this type of leadership position.
Based on location and the size of the school, college or university, duties may differ from what is listed above. For example, a larger institution may have several administrators, department chairs or similar leaders to delegate tasks to.
2. Obtain the required degree
To become a school administrator or principal, candidates typically must first earn a bachelor’s degree in education; next, amaster’s degree in education, such as a Master of Arts in Education, to learn skills to succeed in educational leadership and administration roles.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),a master’s degree is typically required for many administrator roles at universities. High school principals and superintendents also need a master’s degree. However,may only need a bachelor’s degree. There are additional degrees that can help further develop their skills and find more job opportunities.
Post-master’s certificatesin educational leadership or higher education administration, or aDoctor of Education degree, can help open new doors in administration. To be hired in leadership positions such as provost or dean, a doctoral degree is typically needed.
It is possible to earn the required degree to enter a leadership position by taking courses online while continuing to work in a school and gaining teaching experience.
3. Obtain the required certification
Becoming certified in a particular state as a school administrator, if it is required, is a vital part of starting an administration career, especially for those shifting from working in university leadership to working in the public school system. While the requirements differ depending on local and state laws, some of the common requirements are:
- A valid and current teaching license in the state of the application for a school administrator certification
- State-specific professional teaching experience
Know the state-specific requirements when beginning to pursue a career in school administration, especially for those shifting from primary or secondary to postsecondary education.
For jobs in the postsecondary field, when applying to colleges and universities, a list of certification requirements is typically in the job posting.
There may also be state-specific superintendent certification or endorsement for working in leadership in the public school system.
4. Complete required experience
While some states require five years of teaching experience before becoming a school administrator, others might not. It can be very helpful to work in a school environment before applying to become a school administrator. Working as a teacher or professor can help develop the skills to:
- Communicate effectively with students and families
- Develop strong curriculum and lesson plans
- Understand the university system and how to work within it
- Use new skills from continuing education and staff training to improve your leadership and administrative skills
Teaching for several years before becoming a school administrator will also help to understand, from personal experience, what the day-to-day life of a teacher or professor is like. This can help make more empathetic and informed decisions as a school administrator.
5. Develop skills
Many skills are required of a school administrator to help completeeffectively and efficiently as well as lead their schools and colleges. These skills include:
- Communication: to direct, teach and train professors, teachers and aides
- Leadership: to lead staff to provide a top-notch education for students
- Technology: to be prepared to stay up to date on technological advancements that can be used in the classroom and around a school, college or university
- Conflict resolution: confidence to manage conflicts between students, professors and other staff
Those are just a few of the skills needed to successfully provide leadership to students and teachers. These skills can be learned through work experience as a teacher and coursework while pursuing a master’s degree and Doctor of Education.
6. Understand career prospects
Those considering a career as an administrator at the secondary or postsecondary level may want to understand career prospects. Knowledge of the potential salary and career outlook is helpful when choosing a new career or making a career shift.
Career outlook and salary may vary depending on location, the type of institution and the state where the school or university is located.
7. Be aware of career resources
For those interested in becoming a school administrator or principal, resources are available to help. Student earning a bachelor’s degree and exploring future career options can consider speaking with professors, college advisors or admissions representatives for help exploring options for earning a master’s degree that are qualifications to be a teacher and a school administrator.
For those already working in a school and interested in shifting toward school administration, speaking to the staff at a career resource center or the admissions office for a master’s degree program can help better understand the requirements of entering this profession.
Salary
As of May 2023, school administrators, with a median wage of $102,610, according to BLS. This salary information is reflected for those who were in a full-time position.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Job outlook
BLS projects school administrators will see a job outlook with a growth rate of 4%between 2022 and 2032. The BLS also projectseach year until 2032.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ý students or graduates.
Education for a career as a school administrator
If you’re an experienced educator looking to start a new leadership position as a school administrator, ý offers:
The Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision is a graduate degree program intended to prepare candidates for K-12 school principal licensure. Candidates for this program have already earned a bachelor’s degree. The program includes a clinical component requiring field experiences and an administrative internship above and beyond program coursework. There may be additional qualifications and/or disqualifications applicable in order to work as a principal with any local, state or federal entity. Requirements for licensure vary by state. Viewrequirements for principal licensurefor your state.
Contact ý for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at ý where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
As dean of the ý College of Education,Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.
This article has been vetted by ý's editorial advisory committee.
Read more about our editorial process.